Please Help

Tiny
JLBMAB
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
How do I change the cylinder head on my 98 dodge neon?
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 AT 9:40 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,879 POSTS
You take it to a mechanic you trust. No sarcasm intended. If you have to ask, there are way too many things that can go wrong. Surface prep is critical for the new head gasket to bite in and seal. Warpage must be checked with a straight-edge and feeler gauge and must not be more than.002" in any direction. If the timing belt is off by three or more teeth on your first attempt at installation, the valves that are open could hit the two pistons that are at top dead center. That would bend the valves. To prevent the head from warping, the head bolts must be tightened to a very specific amount and in a specific order.

If none of these things scare you and you think you're up for the challenge, buy the service manual from the dealer. It will give step by step instructions with line drawings. Torque specs and special tools are listed in the back of the Engine section, (section 9).

Caradiodoc
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Thursday, January 13th, 2011 AT 3:19 AM

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